News
Join Us at Hill Day to Advocate for the NIH and NCI
As a member of AACI, your advocacy is critical to sharing our message with legislators: that stable, predictable funds are vital to advancing cancer research and care. Now, with the administration’s proposed budget blueprint for Fiscal Year 2020 including a $4.5 billion cut to funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there is an even more urgent need for the cancer community to come together.
On Tuesday, April 30, AACI will co-host the 2019 Hill Day with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). AACI is encouraging its U.S. members to send at least one representative to Washington to advocate on your center’s behalf. All faculty and staff of AACI cancer centers are invited to attend and bring patient advocates, whose impactful stories demonstrate the importance of cancer research and care.
This year, four recipients of AACI’s new Hill Day Scholarship will be among the patient advocates in attendance. Representing the states of Florida, Kansas, New York, and Ohio, these advocates will add unique and compelling voices to a day of congressional engagement. They have experienced cancer through their own personal battles, as caregivers for loved ones, and through professional outreach. Each of their stories highlights the far-reaching impact of cancer and underscores the importance of continued funding for the NIH and National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Soapbox, a firm that specializes in coordinating advocacy days, will request and schedule meetings on your behalf with your legislators. For your convenience, a room block has been reserved at the Liaison Capitol Hill, located within walking distance of the House and Senate office buildings.
If you have any questions, please contact AACI Government Relations Manager Jaren Love at 412-647-2076.